Grahame E. Bowles

Grahame attended the former Loughborough Colleges in the mid-50s (from 1956-59) and went on to be a much-loved and respected PE teacher in the Stevenage, Hertfordshire area for the next 40 years.  Despite retiring over 20 years ago, Grahame is still fondly remembered as Mr. Purple Tracksuit- as he was rarely seen when not donning various iterations of the university’s African violet attire.

During his teaching career, Grahame was responsible for guiding scores of his students towards the Loughborough experience and his time on Ashby Road left an indelible mark.  He was a true believer that ability without opportunity is nothing and was single-handedly responsible for introducing a raft of new sports to schools where he taught- an achievement that was fondly remembered as part of the eulogy at his funeral.

Grahame was also the founding member of the Herts Sport and Physical Activity Partnership- the Active Partnership for Hertfordshire- and was its Chair from its inception in 2003 to 2015 when he took on the role of Partnership President.  Up to his death, he remained a passionate advocate, friend, ally, and supporter of the Partnership’s work and was also the Chair of his local Community Sports Network- Sports Stevenage - for many years.

In reflecting on Grahame’s life and passion for sport, current HSP Partnership Director, John O’Callaghan said: “Grahame had a huge fondness for everything Loughborough.  As a former Loughborough student that may well have played a part in my appointment, but I know first-hand how his time at the university shaped the rest of his life and we have lost a great friend, and sport in Hertfordshire and beyond is much poorer for his passing. 

He was a true gentleman with a rare passion and deep understanding of the power of sport to positively impact local communities.  He truly was one in a million, and he will be greatly missed”.